Character Switch
Two players begin a scene as very different characters. When a caller shouts “Switch!” the players swap positions and also swap characters, continuing the same scene as seamlessly as possible.
This is a good game for stretching your ability to play a wide range of characters. It’s also funny to watch the players dashing back and forth to take on each other’s positions and activities.
For example, say Terri is playing Charlotte, a Southern belle, while Paul is a Bugsy, a rough escaped criminal.
TERRI (as Charlotte): Why, I declare this dirty sewer is the most disgusting place I have ever been.
PAUL (as Bugsy): Quit your whining. I need to figure a way outta this place, see.
CALLER: Switch!
Paul now runs to Terri’s position, while she runs to his former place, adopting the stance and attitude of the character they have now taken over.
PAUL (as Charlotte): Sir, I will not be treated in this way! I demand that you take me back to my pappy this instant.
The caller can have fun with the speed of the changes, having one person deliver all the dialogue for a short period.
TERRI (as Bugsy): When I’m good and ready, see. Hand me that ladder.
CALLER: Switch!
TERRI (as Charlotte): I am not touching that disgusting ladder. It will soil my gloves.
CALLER: Switch!
TERRI: (as Bugsy): Enough of your lip! Say, what’s that noise?!
Meanwhile, there’s some comedy in the fact that Terri is doing all the acting, while Paul keeps waiting to speak and doesn’t get the chance.
This game often becomes a face-to-face conversation between two different characters, but it is more interesting if they are also performing different physical activities, or moving around the stage – meaning that players will have to travel further in order to do their switches.